Revision as of 13:00, 18 September 2010

Dahlonega[1] is in Georgia's Historic High Country. It was the site of a major gold rush, claimed the first in the US by local citizens. Gold mining continues to be an important part of cultural identity of Dahlonega and several mines remain open as tourists attractions. It is also home to North Georgia College and State University.

US 129/GA 15 Atl North from Athens, GA near Jefferson GA 15 Atl turn towards Commerce, GA and US 129 is joined by GA 11. In downtown Gainesville, GA US 129 turns off and heads north to Cleveland, GA. Continue to follow GA 11 called Ee Butler Parkway til it merges with GA 60 called Greene Street. GA 60 and GA 11 soon spilt Stay left onto GA 60 called Thompson Bridge Rd. 20 miles later GA 60 runs through the Dahlonega square.

I-20 E take I-20 East to Atlanta, then I-285 by-pass north toward Chattanooga. Take GA 400 North to the end. Left onto GA 60 after 5.5 miles GA 60 runs through the Dahlonega square.

Get around

Having a car would be best because there are many sites that are spread out, but central Dahlonega, along the downtown square, is navigable by foot.

Lumpkin County Transit operates with just two buses and offers door-to-door transportation on a first-come, first-served basis by appointment. "Nominal fees" are based on mileage. It's operated by Lumpkin County’s Emergency Services Department. For details call 706-864-6900.

See

Consolidated Gold Mine, 185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd., Dahlonega, GA 30533 (near Wal-Mart), ☎706.864.8473‎, [2]. At the Consolidated Gold Mine a tour takes you underground into the mine to see what working conditions were like beneath Dahlonega during the gold rush. The tour shows the original cart rails, electrical lines and even an operational pneumatic drill. The tour also include an opportunity to pan for gold.$11/7 for adults/children. Under 3 get in free.

Grisson's Gold Mine, 2736 Morrison Moore Parkway East, Dahlonega, GA 30533, ☎(706) 864-6363‎, [3]. At Grisson's Gold Mine there is one of the only press mines remaining and gold can be panned here.

Dahlonega Gold Museum, 1 Public Square Dahlonega , GA 30533, ☎706-864-5991, [4]. Monday-Saturday 9AM-5 PM; Sunday 10AM-5PM. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located in the center of the historic square in the old courthouse of Dahlonega.$3.50-$5.00.

North Georgia College and State University, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, GA 30597, ☎(706) 864-1400, [5]. The Military College of Georgia there are many things for a traveler to see. Price Memorial Hall is the gold topped landmark of the campus built on the foundations of the old National Mint.

Yahoola Creek Park, Mechanicsville Rd Dahlonega GA (Turn onto Mechanicsville Rd from Morrison Moore Parkway. Yahoola Creek Park is located at the end of the road.), [7]. Yahoola Creek Park is home to baseball, softball, and soccer fields. It also has tennis courts. Besides basic park fixtures there is a community garden and 2 miles of hiking/walking trails.

Do

Gold Rush Days, [8]. festival is held the third weekend in October. Thousands of people fill the town to celebrate the discovery of gold in Dahlonega. Voted one of the Top 20 Events in the southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. More info.

Bear on the Square, [9]. Bear on the Square is a country and folk music festival held each year in mid-April.

Hemlock Festival, [10]. is a music festival held each year in early November. The festival is held to raise awareness and funds for defending the Hemlock's from attack by the woolly adelgid.$5-$40.

The Mountain Flower Art Festival. The Mountain Flower Art Festival is scheduled for the 3rd week in May on Saturday & Sunday, from 10am - 5pm.

Buy

Eat

Budget

Gustavo's Pizzeria, 16 Public Square South, Dahlonega, GA 30533-1214, ☎(706) 864-2366. Literally a hole in the wall this pizzeria has the best quality pizza for really cheap. A slice of the kitchen sink(ultimate) is only $3.50 and it's huge. The garlic rolls are also amazing.

Blackstock Vineyards and Winery (Blackstock Winery), Town Creek Church Road, ☎706-219-2789, [14]. M-S 10-6; Sun 12:30-6. Oldest plantings, newest winery in the Dahlonega area. Covered deck is cool even on hot days, with spectacular views of vinewyards and surrounding mountains. Family friendly. Music and food most weekends during summer.

For coffee, head over to the The Crimson Moon[15] cafe and coffee house. They also have a tasty menu.